Marathon Co. officials urge caution as storm approaches

By Shereen Siewert

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Department is urging drivers to stay home Saturday night as a powerful storm approaches from the west.

The caution is in response to reports from the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department in Minnesota, where cars are littering ditches throughout the area.

“Seriously folks,” The Dakota County Sheriff’s Department post reads. “Do NOT travel unless you have to. Tow companies are giving ETAs of 24 hours. Most hills are impossible to navigate. Put on some soup and Netflix and please stay home.”

Now, local officials are echoing that advice. A winter storm watch has been issued for Marathon County, in effect until 6 p.m., with a flood watch in effect until Monday.About an inch of snow, mixed with freezing rain, is expected on Saturday. Roads are expected to glaze over and be especially hazardous by early evening.